Liverpool appear to have been given a helping hand by Steven Gerrard after the Aston Villa manager rested a number of key players for his side's match against Burnley on Thursday evening.
Villa finish their season with two games in four days and Anfield great Gerrard had indicated in his pre-match press conference that he may select two different sides for fixtures against the Clarets and then Manchester City. The ex-Liverpool captain appears to have stayed true to his word by leaving key players Philippe Coutinho and Danny Ings out of the starting XI for tonight's final home game of the season.
That's good news for Liverpool supporters, as it will likely mean that the pair will start against Manchester City on Sunday. The Reds need Villa to get some sort of result at the Etihad stadium on the final day of the season in order to give themselves a chance of snatching the Premier League title away from Pep Guardiola's side at the bitter end.
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp UEFA issue has been proven right at the worst possible time for Liverpool
READ MORE: Divock Origi to get what Gini Wijnaldum and Daniel Sturridge never did at Liverpool
City are top of the table on 90 points with Jurgen Klopp's side just a point adrift on 89. The Reds must beat Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield whilst praying that Villa can get at least a draw in Manchester - a result that would send the Premier League trophy to Merseyside in the most dramatic finale imaginable.
Liverpool icon Gerrard is widely regarded as one of the club's greatest players of all time but was never able to win the Premier League himself during his playing days. But with an opportunity to help influence the outcome of this year's run-in, by leaving former Reds Coutinho and Ings on the bench he could yet help win the title for Liverpool in a more unconventional manner.
Supporters were quick to react to Gerrerd's team selection online. @AnfieldTalk said: "He's actually rested Coutinho and Ings for Sunday," while @w32d5 responded: "Wants to give Burnley the win too to get Everton relegated. What a guy."
Chris Silvester Tweeted: "Gerrard doing all he can to help Liverpool by resting big players ready for City," while Peter Murphy joked: "United and City fans will be raging with that. I'm off to have a look on a few forums."
Gerrard's team selection won't impress Everton supporters however, who are banking on Villa to beat Burnley tonight, helping the Blues to avoid relegation.
